Katharina Kneip lifts her heavy backpack, placing it on her thigh before hoisting it onto her back. Embarking on another day of exploration at the world’s highest points, Kneip initiated her long-term project, Round:Motion, in January 2023. She traversed on foot and skis from Münster, Germany, through various parts of Northern Europe, eventually finding opportunities to sail to Canada. This journey forms part of a human-powered “northern loop” around the globe.
“Walking is a fundamental human activity that has shaped our world,” said Kneip. “Exploring the boundary between culture and nature where most people do not reside is my aim.”
Documenting her adventures through almost daily social media posts on her Round:Motion account, Kneip expressed her vision of gradually connecting experiences through her journey.
After nearly two years in Canada, Kneip eagerly anticipated witnessing large-scale agriculture in Saskatchewan for the first time. During her stay, she met Ken Kerslake in Winthorst, who generously offered accommodation for the night after Kneip approached them seeking a spot to pitch her tent.
While facing challenges during her expedition, such as a close encounter with bears in New Brunswick, Kneip expressed feeling relatively secure. She shared her perspective on bureaucratic hurdles, emphasizing the stress they add to planning her route compared to dealing with adverse weather conditions.
Acknowledging the privilege that comes with traveling as a white individual with a German passport, Kneip highlighted the role of ethnicity in her experiences. With her initial plan to journey through Alaska and Russia altered due to geopolitical circumstances, she now considers alternative routes, including hitching a ride on a cargo ship from Vancouver to Asia.
Reflecting on the evolving nature of her journey amid global events, Kneip described her expedition as a contemporary artwork reflecting the possibilities and constraints of the present day.